When planning a cruise, the options for ships and itineraries can be daunting. There’s a lot to consider when planning a cruise… are the dining options structured or ‘freestyle’…is the attire casual or dressy…will there be enough to do for everyone in my group? Well, here we offer you a look inside an amazing yet affordable ship on one of the world’s premier cruise lines: The NCL Escape: Ship Review and Planning Guide.

The ship is considered a breakaway plus class ship, being one of the largest in the fleet. Breakaway plus ships are 10% bigger and have an additional deck to accommodate the innovative experiences that await.

It carries just over 4200 passengers and packs so many restaurants, bars and activities it’s almost impossible to try them all in one trip. Believe me, we did our best!

Our family of six set sail on a sunny Sunday morning from the Port of New York for the astoundingly beautiful island of Bermuda (check with carla@vactionkids.com for current itineraries). We arrived at the Royal Naval Dock Yard very early Wednesday morning and remain docked there until Friday afternoon. Return to NYC was the following Sunday morning for an early disembarkation.

Our time spent in Bermuda was full of exploration and adventure, but our time at sea was equally magnificent and fun. Here are some of the highlights:

Freestyle cruising: Dine inside at a multitude of culinary choices or Oceanside along The Waterfront – a quarter-mile promenade of restaurants and bars with breathtaking views. Only Norwegian offers the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Dining, which means no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating. So follow your mood, not a schedule. There are over 25 dining options on the Escape.

Complimentary dining includes the Manhattan Room, featuring live music and a dance floor or the more intimate Taste and Savor—where the menu changes nightly, offering choices sure to please everyone.

If you really want to treat yourself, the for-fee restaurants—most of which are à la carte—are worth the splurge. Again, choices abound including Brazilian Churrascaria, Tepannyaki, Cagney’s Steakhouse, or Food Republic for a fusion of cuisine from around the world…to name just a few.

Last but not least, let’s not forget about the buffet for a totally casual experience with endless options and themed nights including Italian, Mexican and Sushi. Note: If you’ve chosen the dining option as one of your free at sea options there is no charge for specialty restaurants, and in all cases reservations are highly recommended.

Adventures at Sea: The AquaPark may be the ship’s splashiest feature. There are four slides in all: one freefall, two tandem-racing slides, and a slower, open slide. Also on deck are a kids’ AquaPark and the main pool, flanked by huge screens for outdoor movie nights and daytime entertainment.

For action beyond the water, there’s the largest rope course at sea, a nine-hole mini golf course, bocce, a basketball court, ping pong and more.

If you’re traveling with kids or teens, there’s an arcade onboard, as well as a children’s program for every age group.

The Entertainment is truly top notch. There are 2 complimentary Broadway quality shows – The Choir of Man (which was our favorite) and the Tony award-winning After Midnight. Neither is to be missed (again be sure to make reservations).

Kick things up a notch at Headliners Comedy Club which is also home to the Howl at the Moon dueling piano players. We didn’t miss a show!

Relax or Party: Even with all that going on, one of our favorite things to do at sea was to just hang out by the main pool. There a few things to know to make your poolside experience flawless…you do have to get up early to get a lounge chair as they go pretty quickly, and be warned if you leave you chair unattended for an hour the staff will move your belongings to customer service. That said, to get you in a tropical mood, the entertainment starts in the morning with ‘Jimmy’s Power Hour”, showing Jimmy Buffett videos on the big screen.

Then the house band comes on playing island tunes. And it revs up from there when the DJ comes on and the pool games begin. It can get pretty loud, so if you prefer tranquility there are plenty of spots on multiple decks designated for quiet time all day.

Indoor fun and games: There’s even a bowling alley (yes, I said bowling). Located by O’Sheehans Irish Bar, where complimentary draft beer and pub fare goes 24/7. You’ll also find arcade basketball and a pool table in the same area. It’s fun to watch people playing pool when the boat rolls a little and the balls move on their own!

There is always something going on at the Atrium, the ships two-story central meeting place where you can take part or sit back and enjoy all the ships happenings and entertainment that go on all day long.

Bars, lounges and the casino. Believe us, there is no shortage of exciting, themed venues to enjoy a cocktail, beer or wine while onboard the Escape.

Start with the Atrium bar, located at the ship’s spectacular 3-floor towering 678 Ocean Place. You can sample craft beers at the District Brew House…

…sip your favorite vintage at Cellars, the Michael Mondavi Wine Bar, go tropical at the Five O’Clock Somewhere Bar…there are 14 bars onboard to choose from…and don’t forget to plan your nights at sea around themed outdoor deck parties that really get going!

Spa Life: When you ready, and you will be, slow down and make time to pamper yourself at the Mandara Spa, featuring a Snow Room and Spa Salt Room. And there’s no reason to miss your workout (well, maybe a few…) at the Pulse fitness center.

You’ve earned your vacation, and it should be everything you want it to be and more. Our family made memories to last a lifetime aboard the Escape. We played, laughed, ate, drank, relaxed and simply spent time together. We did so much as a family and a few things apart, which made it great time for all.

We’re happy to share our experiences with you…and when you’re ready to plan your Escape, we invite you to reach out to carla@vacationkids.com. Bon Voyage!

P.S. – for a review on another fantastic ship in NCL’s fleet, see our article on the NCL Breakaway and get more details on Freestyle Cruising!

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